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Monday, March 2, 2015

Jesus; Eternally Begotten of the Father

Baptist traditionally are 'non-creedal;' but that does not mean that we ignore the historic creeds of the Christian faith. Rather, it means that we hold the Bible to be more authoritative than the creeds. Many Baptist churches in fact regularly recite the Apostle's Creed during Worship--I for one would love to see more of them teach on it regularly. The Apostles Creed contains, like a grain of wheat, the essence of the Christian faith, distilled. I am convinced that many Evangelical Christians would benefit from being taught to understand and use the creed to strengthen and share their faith.

A couple of days ago I had a short conversation with two Mormon missionaries outside of a train station. My heart was breaking for both them, and those that they were seeking to reach--because of the error that they were going to lead them into. My emotions got the best of me, and I pleaded with them to renounce their false prophet and turn to Jesus.

After the conversation, it was impressed on my heart again of how important it is that I be rooted deeply in prayer, the Scriptures and good doctrine. Thankfully, yesterday I was able to spend time in Hebrews, Mark and Galatians. I was even able to participate in a bible study where young Japanese believers were digging into Galatians chapter 1--super encouraging.

Today, I have been meditating upon the Nicene Creed, which I do believe is an accurate and concise statement of what the Bible teaches about the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord, and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church; I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.